Dorocontin®

Patient Information

Dorocontin^® tablets belong to a group of medicines called 'nitrate vasodilators' which cause widening of blood vessels and reduce the work that the heart must do to pump blood through them. In addition nitrates may improve blood supply to the heart itself.

What Dorocontin^®is used for:

Dorocontin^® tablets are used to prevent the chest pain caused by angina pectoris. Angina occurs when there is an inadequate supply of oxygen for the work the heart is performing. Dorocontin^® tablets will reduce the heart's work and will release the medicine slowly giving protection over several hours. Dorocontin^® tablets are not suitable for treating an attack that has already started as the tablets will take too long to start working.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using Dorocontin^® if :

• You are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
• You are breastfeeding a baby
• You are taking Sildenafil or Tadalafil for male erectile problems ( If you use Sildenafil or Tadalafil while using nitrate preparations, such as Dorocontin^® tablets, a severe and possibly dangerous fall in blood pressure can occur. This would result in collapse, unconsciousness and could be fatal. You should not take Sildenafil or Tadalafil while using Dorocontin^® tablets.)
• You are taking any other form of heart medicine which contains glyceryl trinitrate
• You are taking any medicine for high blood pressure or Raynaud's Syndrome
• You are allergic to glyceryl tri-nitrate or any of the ingredients of Dorocontin^® tablets listed above
• You are anemic (suffering from low iron content in your blood)
• You have the eye disease called glaucoma
• You have ever suffered from cerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or a serious head injury
• You are taken any other medicines

Know all the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

How to take your Dorocontin^®:

If you aren't sure, ask the pharmacist or go back to see your doctor. The usual  dosage is to take either one or two tablets three times a day, between meals. You should try to stick to the same time each day. It is very important that the tablets are swallowed whole. Do not chew or place under the tongue to dissolve.

What to do if you forget to take a dose :

If you are taking this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if the next scheduled dose is within 6 hours, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses.

While taking Dorocontin^®:

• Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or have a bad headache.
• Do not stop taking Dorocontin^® tablets without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly may bring on attacks of angina. If treatment with Dorocontin^® tablets is to be withdrawn, this should be done gradually by reducing the dose over a period of several days.

What to do if you take too many tablets :

Remember ALL medicines can be dangerous. If you or anyone else takes a large number of Dorocontin^® tablets, seek medical advice at once. A large overdose can have serious effects and anyone who has taken too many tablets should go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department immediately, taking the bottle to show the doctor.

Side-effects :

• Fast heartbeat / awareness of your own heart beating rapidly.
• Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
• Headaches, especially at the beginning of the treatment.
• Flushing of the face. If headaches continue or are severe, please consult your doctor who may decide to reduce the dosage or offer you a different medicine to take. The dizziness, fainting or light-headedness is more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for long periods of time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down.

Reporting of side effects:

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed here.

You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.dorsapharma.com/ (ADR Form)

By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.